Divine Encounters: Cultivating Fruitfulness and Love

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound significance of being found under the fig tree, a metaphor that speaks to the places where God encounters us in our most authentic states. We explored two passages, Luke 13 and John 1, which reveal the nature of divine encounters and the transformative power of words of knowledge.

In Luke 13, we find the parable of the barren fig tree, which symbolizes the expectation of fruitfulness in our lives. The owner of the vineyard is ready to cut down the tree that has not produced fruit for three years, but the keeper intercedes, asking for more time to dig around it and fertilize it. This act of grace is a powerful reminder that God is patient with us, desiring to cultivate our lives so that we may bear fruit.

John 1 presents the story of Nathaniel, who is skeptical about anything good coming from Nazareth. Yet, when Jesus sees Nathaniel and reveals his character and his private moments of seeking God under the fig tree, Nathaniel's skepticism turns to belief. Jesus' word of knowledge about Nathaniel's time under the fig tree is a testament to how God sees us and knows us intimately, even in our hidden moments.

Throughout the sermon, we were reminded that God orchestrates divine appointments and uses words of knowledge not as an end in themselves but as keys to unlock deeper truths and bring about transformation. These moments of revelation are not for showcasing spiritual gifts but for pointing to the Giver and edifying the body of Christ.

We were encouraged to pursue love first and then desire spiritual gifts, understanding that our gifts are meant to serve others and glorify God. The sermon also highlighted the importance of removing negative influences from our lives, symbolized by the act of pruning the fig tree, to make room for growth and fruitfulness.

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Key Takeaways

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### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading

1. Luke 13:6-9 (NKJV)

> He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”

1. John 1:43-51 (NKJV)

> The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

#### Observation Questions

1. In the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13, what does the owner of the vineyard want to do with the fig tree that has not borne fruit for three years? ([08:04])
2. How does the keeper of the vineyard respond to the owner's decision to cut down the fig tree? ([08:37])
3. In John 1, what was Nathanael's initial reaction to hearing about Jesus of Nazareth? ([09:41])
4. What specific knowledge did Jesus reveal to Nathanael that changed his skepticism to belief? ([10:45])

#### Interpretation Questions

1. What does the act of the keeper interceding for the barren fig tree in Luke 13 symbolize about God's patience and grace? ([08:42])
2. How does Nathanael's encounter with Jesus in John 1 illustrate the power of a word of knowledge in transforming skepticism into faith? ([10:52])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the purpose of spiritual gifts, such as words of knowledge, in the life of a believer? ([13:05])
4. How does the act of pruning, as mentioned in the sermon, relate to personal spiritual growth and the removal of negative influences? ([51:02])

#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like the barren fig tree in Luke 13. How did you experience God's patience and grace in that season? ([08:42])
2. Nathanael's skepticism was transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus. Have you ever had a moment where God revealed something personal to you that strengthened your faith? Share that experience. ([10:52])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing love first and then desiring spiritual gifts. How can you prioritize love in your daily interactions this week? ([16:04])
4. The act of pruning involves removing negative influences to make room for growth. Identify one negative influence in your life that you need to prune. What steps will you take to remove it? ([51:02])
5. Spiritual gifts are meant to serve others and glorify God. Think of a way you can use your spiritual gifts to edify someone in your community this week. ([13:05])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being found under the fig tree, in a place of seeking God. What practical steps can you take to create more moments of authentic encounter with God in your daily routine? ([10:52])
7. Reflect on the idea of divine appointments. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God orchestrated an encounter for a specific purpose? How did it impact you, and how can you be more open to such moments in the future? ([10:52])